ButterflyEffects.com Feed

Re: Stuck - need help

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:35:22 GMT

I just read your other reply about your son being sick. Sometimes when kids have tummy problems during toilet training, they regress because they associate the potty with discomfort. If he waits for the diaper, I would teach him to ask for it before you actually put it on. So, you know he has to go, you have the diaper in your hand and you say, "Say, Mommy, can I have a diaper?" When he asks put it on and give him a big reinforcer. That's reinforcing the initiation (asking to go to the bathroom in a sense.) You may want to hold off to see if you can get it back (him going naked) over the next week or so, because that would be easier and you can just pick up at the first reply's suggestion. If he doesn't get it back then, try the asking for the diaper. Then, once he's consistently asking for it (remember to reinforce big for it-I don't think a sticker is going to do it-maybe a "gift bag" full of surprises from the dollar store to choose from) you will tell him that to get the super duper reinforcer, now he has to go ask for the diaper and go to the bathroom in the restroom. If he refuses, check your reinforcer. He may want it, but to be a true reinforcer, it has to be motivating enough for him to want to do the thing you ask to get it. Then he has to be near the toilet. Then he has to be on the toilet with no diaper. Does that make sense? You are basically reinforcing successful approximations until he is going on the toilet again, and he's already initiating. Then all you have to do is work on the staying dry in pants.

Re: Stuck - need help

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:26:14 GMT

By tmills on Oct 31

Do you mean that you do the dry check on the toilet? I would just catch him around the house. Just go to him and say, "Let's check your pants. Oh! You have dry pants! Yay!" and then give the reinforcer. Eventually, we all stay dry because its reinforcing for us, this just helps it along. Don't make him have to go in to the bathroom anymore than need be for toileting, or it becomes aversive. Does that clear it up?

Re: Stuck - need help

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:36:47 GMT

By tmills on Oct 31

Whenever I work on toilet training with a client, I think about the individual behaviors involved with toileting. Meaning, the child needs to initiate going into the rest room, sit on the toilet without protest, go potty, and remain dry throughout the day, all with pants on of course. He does some of these things, we just need to teach him to do it with the pull up/underwear on. I would start with just putting a pull up or underwear on him if possible (no pants) to make it easier for him to get them off. You didn't say how he is being successful when naked. Does he tell you he needs to go, or does he just go in there (both are considered initiating) or does he rely on you to take him? If he is initiating, those behaviors should be reinforced at a high rate with a highly desired reinforcer. You can tell if it is motivating because his initiation will increase, even with pants on. Additionally, I would conduct "dry checks" throughout the day (like every 20-30 minutes) and catch him being dry and then reinforce with the same motivating reinforcer. These two techniques should help increase initiation and periods of dryness. Hope that helps!

Little Boy With Autism Sings on America's Got Talent

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:09:12 GMT

By tmills on Jul 1

There was a 9 year old boy named David who tried out for "America's Got Talent". He was voted through by the judges to compete on the show in Las Vegas. The show airs Tuesday nights at 9pm (EST) on NBC. It is truly heart-warming to watch!

Re: MIND Institute Research on Anti-Bacterial Soaps (Triclosan) and Autism

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:26:04 GMT

By tmills on Jun 25

In re-reading my post, I realize that it does appear as though I wrote the article, which was definitely not my intention. I merely wanted to help the readers by "saving a click" and so I cut and pasted the article here for them to read. I simply forgot to provide the link. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. The link where the article can be found is http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3188.

Since this article came out, (and it seems to be posted on several sites, including the one provided above) the MIND Institute has issued a response which can be found here: http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/newsroom/releases/index.html

Additionally, I have found this news release that says it was "Adapted from materials provided by University of California - Davis, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS." and does NOT mention a link between autism and Triclosan. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207150713.htm

Re: Graduating Peter Documentary on Inclusive Education

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:05:05 GMT

By tmills on Jun 23

To elaborate, the inclusion model is what is impressive. That is not to say that the boy and his family do not come across challenges in the placement. But, he is able to graduate with his peers, as part of the community that he will be living in, and not in a sequestered "special" community.

Graduating Peter Documentary on Inclusive Education

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:56:56 GMT

By tmills on Jun 23

There is a very well made documentary showing a great model of inclusion. Film makers shadowed Peter, a young boy with Down's Syndrome from grade 3 through high school graduation. It is on HBO Family, showing again this Thursday. I recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about inclusion.

MIND Institute Research on Anti-Bacterial Soaps (Triclosan) and Autism

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:25:01 GMT

By tmills on Jun 7

Studies Question Safety of Antibacterial Soaps

Date Published: Monday, June 2nd, 2008

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have conducted three separate studies on chemicals used in germ-fighting antibacterial products and have found them to be hazardous in a variety of ways. In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that antibacterial soaps don’t prevent illness any better than ordinary soap and may be contributing to the rise of resistant bacteria.

Triclosan and triclocarban not only have the potential to affect sex hormones and interfere with the nervous system, they appear to have some links to autism. Triclosan is found in 76% of all liquid soap sold in stores and is also added to toothpaste, mouthwash, cosmetics, fabrics, and plastic kitchenware; triclocarban is a common additive in antibacterial bar soap and deodorant. Antibacterial products account for about $1 billion in sales annually.The U.C. Davis researchers are the first to use cutting-edge molecular technology to study potential effects of triclosan and triclocarban on the human nervous system and hormones. Studies show that these chemicals are building up in the environment at an alarming rate and a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study detected triclosan in the urine of 75% of Americans aged six and older. Dan Chang, PhD, a professor of environmental engineering at U.C. Davis says, “The public should be aware of some of the concerns. These compounds should be voluntarily removed by consumer product manufacturers” and consumers should “be provided precautionary information regarding their use.”

Chang, who coordinates the university’s studies on triclosan and triclocarban as part of the Superfund Basic Research Program, supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health, says the U.C. Davis research indicates “there may be sensitive periods in development when these compounds could have a very subtle detrimental effect.” This means that if these compounds cause harm, they are most likely to do so during pregnancy, early childhood, and adolescence. Chang argues that antibacterial soaps don’t do enough good to risk this potential harm.

In one study, recently accepted for publication in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, Isaac Pessah, PhD, director of the U.C. Davis Children’s Center for Environmental Health found triclosan attached itself to special “receptor” molecules on the surface of cells raising calcium levels inside the cell; cells overloaded with calcium get overexcited. Overexcited cells may burn out neural circuits in the brain, which could lead to an imbalance affecting mental development. Because some people may carry a mutated gene that better enables triclosan to attach to cells, they could be more vulnerable to it. Because of this, Pessah named triclosan—and related compounds with similar properties—as a prime target for research into environmental factors that might cause autism.

Other researchers at U.C. Davis found triclocarban—a common additive in antibacterial bar soap and deodorant—has an unusual effect on hormones. For some time now, scientists have suspected that chemicals in the environment, known as “endocrine disruptors,” may interfere with the human sex hormones and reproductive development and may cause reduced fertility in women and men, early puberty in girls, and increases in cancers of the breast, ovaries, and prostate.

Re: Autism Support Group

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:23:06 GMT

By tmills on Jun 7

What you are describing is called delayed echolalia. It is often a self-stimulatory behavior, i.e. one that is automatically reinforced (they do it because they like it, is self-calming, entertaining, etc). But, it also sounds as though it is providing a method of escape from demand, since he is doing it during work time. I would recommend 1) having the family reduce the amount of movies he is allowed to watch over and over. He should watch them one time through, without stopping to rewind and replay his favorite parts. 2) Provide some sort of reinforcement for timed periods of independent work. Determine how long he can work without the echolalia, and divide that in half. For example, if he can work for 2 minutes before "movie talking" cut the time to 1 minute, and after every 1 minute of working independently, provide reinforcement (you can use a 10 piece token board that can be exchanged for something he likes to do, or even for a break at the end of 10 tokens. During the break he can do a reinforcing activity for a few minutes, and then return to work.) Systematically increase the amount of time he works before he earns a token. Remember, he only earns the token for working independently without the movie talk. A lot of parents have given their children a time at home to engage in this behavior, alone in their room, after school, for a timed period, since it can be a form of decompression for so many kids. Hope this helps.

Court Hears More Claims of Vaccine-Autism Link

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:46:14 GMT

By tmills on May 14

WASHINGTON — The United States Court of Federal Claims began another hearing on Monday to decide whether a vaccine additive led thousands of children to become autistic.

The hearing is the second in a series of three in which the court is considering whether the government should pay millions of dollars to the parents of some 4,800 autistic children. In this hearing, parents are claiming that thimerosal, a preservative that contains mercury, damaged their children’s brains. Thimerosal was removed from all routinely administered childhood vaccines by 2001.

Every major study and scientific organization to examine the issue has found no link between vaccination and autism, but the parents and their advocates have persisted.

The claims are being heard in a special court set up by Congress 20 years ago when a series of scares nearly crippled the vaccine industry. The hearing is expected to last two to three weeks, and a decision is not expected until next year.

Almost absent from this hearing and the others in the series is any discussion of the case of Hannah Poling, an autistic 9-year-old from Athens, Ga., who the government conceded last year might have been injured by vaccines. Vaccine critics say the concession gives strong evidence that vaccines cause autism, but government officials say the case proves nothing regarding the safety of vaccines.

The experiences of two 10-year-old boys from Portland, Ore., are at the center of the latest hearing. The boys, William Mead and Jordan King, were developing normally until they were vaccinated, said Thomas Powers, a lawyer representing them.

But a buildup of mercury in their brains from vaccines containing thimerosal led the boys to regress, Mr. Powers contended.

The claims for the two boys are test cases being heard to determine whether parents in thousands of similar cases should receive compensation. Last summer, Mr. Powers presented before the special court the test case of Michelle Cedillo, who Mr. Powers claimed was injured by both vaccines containing thimerosal and the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, which did not contain thimerosal.

Next summer, the court will hear a test case in which lawyers will argue that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine was the sole cause of autism.

Plaintiffs and their lawyers have sought for years to delay hearings on their vaccine claims, hoping new research or government data would bolster their arguments. But with each passing year, the claim that thimerosal had an important effect on children has become harder to sustain. Its removal has appeared to have no effect on autism rates.

Autism: the Musical DVD Now Available

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:12:17 GMT

By tmills on May 10

For those who missed it on t.v., here's the link to buy the DVD.

http://events.autismspeaks.org/site/c.ghKJIYPGIqE/b.3989871/?tr=y&auid=3651838

Re: Update on Autism Spectrum Disorder Bills in the Florida Legislature (May 2, 2008 6:00 PM)

Fri, 02 May 2008 22:01:48 GMT

By tmills on May 2

Richard,

Thank you for your diligent coverage of this topic! I'm trying to understand the difference between group insurance and self-insured. It sounds like a company can offer their employees self-insurance? Or, does it simply mean, a person who does not have group coverage from their employer, and instead seeks it through an outside broker? Please clarify. Thanks!

Face Processing Area of Brain Shows Anatomical Differences in Autism

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:18:13 GMT

By tmills on May 2


	A new publication in the journal Brain describes significant anatomical differences in a facial processing area of the brain in people with autism. As the basis for the study, Imke van Kooten, Ph.D., and an international team of researchers have diligently measured neuronal features in post mortem brain sections, demonstrating that patients with autism have significant reductions in the density, total number, and mean cell volume of neurons in the area known as the fusiform gyrus. The authors suggest that these reductions might contribute to the impaired face processing seen in autism which, in turn, may contribute to some of the social deficits of autism. Plans are underway for further study of additional cortical areas implicated in visual processing. This continued research will be part of the Brain Atlas Project, a larger study supported by Autism Speaks' Autism Tissue Program. For more information, go to www.autismspeaks.com for the full article

Help Chevy Help Autism

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:27:33 GMT

By tmills on Apr 25

Chevrolet has teamed up with Autism Speaks to drive home the message of autism awareness. Until the end of April â€“ Autism Awareness Month â€“ visit the Autism Speaks website (www.autismspeaks.org) and click on the Help Chevy Help Autism icon to take a virtual test drive of the 2008 North American Car of the Year â€“ the all-new Chevy Malibu. Chevrolet has committed to a minimum contribution of $500,000, but every virtual test drive gets Chevrolet closer to its goal of donating up to $1 million to Autism Speaks. Those who complete the virtual test drive will receive a free 30-day online trial of XM Satellite Radio. Visit the Autism Speaks home page to take the virtual test drive. Plus, spread the word to family and friends by sending a Help Chevy Help Autism e-Card today.

Re: Study links autism and preemies

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:19:09 GMT

By tmills on Apr 11

Personally, I think that soon there will be several "subsets" of children diagnosed with autism. They already classify the children based on number of symptoms, but I think it may go even further to maybe encompass children clearly born with it and regressive type autism, or children who appear to be developing typically and then regress, for whatever reason. Some literature already refers to these two different classifications. And, for children with regressive type, there may be even more classification with regards to potential triggers, or additional diagnoses. But, a few things that I feel are indisputable are: the earlier the diagnosis the better, and quality ABA delivered intensively (1:1 setting with high repetition) along with exposure to neurotypical peer models in a language rich environment for generalization will help to provide the child with the best possible chance of reaching his potential.

Re: Toys for Autism

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:06:10 GMT

By tmills on Apr 11

When you order toys from Discovery Toys, they also make donations to autism research.

Re: Going Overboard?

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:23:06 GMT

By tmills on Apr 7

These actually work quite well! I know it sounds a little odd, and the hardest thing is getting the child accustomed to them, but they do work. Eventually, you are able to fade out the use of the alarm. I've never used them on my own clients, but a former colleague of mine has and she had good success.

Re: ADHD Omega-3 Deficiency?

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:24:03 GMT

By tmills on Apr 5

My son is not formally diagnosed with anything, but definitely gets easily distracted/side tracked, and is sometimes impulsive, etc. I give him Cod Liver Oil supplements once a day and I swear I see improvement. I think the study makes great sense. Thanks for sharing!

Grad Student Needs Help with Thesis

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:30:47 GMT

By tmills on Apr 4

Here's a grad student conducting research on autism and related therapies who could use some of our readers help. I have provided the link if anyone is interested. It's only 12 questions and is confidential.

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=jomlf5097ligmmt412024

Study links autism and preemies

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:59:38 GMT

By tmills on Apr 4

No shortage of articles on autism in the month of April!

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/study-links-preemies-with-autism-signs/n20080403174009990013

More on Autism and Vaccinations-From CDC

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:57:35 GMT

By tmills on Apr 4

Here's another article from the CDC for those interested in the controversy over whether or not to vaccinate:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/04/04/cdc.commentary/

Re: Attention Seeking Toilet Behavior Driving me Nuts!

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:53:41 GMT

By tmills on Apr 3

While "accidents" are typical for most new toilet trainees, it sounds like your son's regression may be associated with the arrival of the new little one? His accidents may actually be being maintained by the extra attention he receives for it, even if it is in the form of redirection or scolding. Try giving non-contingent attention, or attention just for being himself, and do "dry checks" throughout the day where you make a point of him being dry. When he does have an accident, try to be non-reactive and put him in dry pants with little attention, either positive or negative. And, when he goes on the potty, make sure he gets extra special attention for that as well. With all the attention for being dry, for going in the toilet, and just for being him, your son may soon be back on track as a "big boy" again.

Mom wins fight for autism insurance

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:22:55 GMT

By tmills on Apr 3

Interesting article about yet another state passing a law requiring insurance to pay for ABA services. Here's the link:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/04/01/autism.insurance/index.html?iref=newssearch

If we keep up the fight, maybe soon it will be required in all 50 states!

Re: What Do You Look for if you think that your son has ADHD

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:30:48 GMT

By tmills on Apr 3

Hi,

My thesis adviser in graduate school is an "expert" in the area of ADHD. Here is a link to an article he wrote about some of the things you would look for if you suspect ADHD. Good luck!

http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED450292&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED450292

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:16:58 GMT

By tmills on Apr 3

For anyone who knows anyone with autism, or for anyone who just wants to be more informed!

View this message as a web page

GET INVOLVED | DONATE | JOIN | SHOP

Lend your voice to the cause during April for National Autism Awareness Month!

Dear Evangeline,

The Autism Society of America is raising autism awareness around the nation during April for National Autism Awareness Month. What follows is our advocacy update prepared for our good friends like you, along with some suggestions on how you can help! Also, be sure to check out advocacy events this April.

Spread the word about these important autism awareness efforts…
FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES

Let Congress know you want more autism funding
The Autism Society of America hosted its Day on the Hill, with advocates from across the country storming Capitol Hill to support ASA’s legislative priorities.

The program included a rousing speech from the Chair of the Coalition for Autism Research and Education (Autism Caucus), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and legislative updates from Congressional staff, allies in the disability community and other supporters. Participants also received training on effective advocacy strategies, working with the media, and lobbying at the state and local levels. Armed with these tools, participants then took to Capitol Hill to build support for ASA’s legislative priorities.

Even if you weren’t able to travel to Washington for our Day on the Hill, you can still support ASA’s advocacy efforts by asking your legislators to cosponsor legislation to improve services for individuals with autism here at home, and around the world!

Support legislation to improve the lives of ALL individuals affected by autism.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to increase autism awareness, and promote early autism diagnosis and therapeutic research.

Sincerely,
Lee Grossman
President and CEO
ASA Member since 1991
Parent of a son with autism